Often, employers set high standards when filling an open position…and they should. Candidates only get that one first impression, so their resume and cover letter must be tailored, their portfolio and social media profiles must be updated and professional, and they should have outstanding references and recommendations. If a candidate can impress the employer through all these standards, they are granted to proceed in the next level of the hiring process.
Job candidates will look great on paper, but in some cases, they seem not to live up to their expectation during the interview. It’s only during the interview when you find out how a candidate’s habits, work ethic, and communication style is something that will not fit the long-term goals of your company. According to an article by Tim Giehll of Recruiting Blogs, Giehll suggests tips for analyzing a resume that reveals a lot about a candidate’s commitment and work ethic. Consider these three tips listed below:
Work History. Take note of any gaps of unemployment and see if they managed to fill in that gap with any volunteering, internship, or freelance work. In addition, if they possess a solid stream of employment – it speaks volumes about their work ethic.
Work History In A Company. Was the candidate able to “move up” from their original position in a company or did they stay in the same position throughout the duration of their employment?
Education-Work Balance. Study the time frame of when they pursued their most recent degree. Were they able to both study and keep a job, internship, or leadership position? If so, it suggests their ability to focus on different projects and manage their time efficiently.
Of course, nothing about a candidate can be certain before the interview stage. However, reading between the line of a resume (and cover letter) can help you sort through those piles of perfectly crafted resumes.
What are some of your tips for selecting candidates for an interview? Share below!
